It’s been a long long wait since Istanbul in 2005, but finally justice has prevailed and Michael Shields, wrongly convicted of attempted murder has been freed and received a pardon.
Shields, now 22, was an 18 year old who was convicted for a crime somebody else had already admitted to and after a long campaign by Liverpool fans, and more importantly his mum and dad – Maria and Michael Snr, the Justice Secretary Jack Straw today set the wheels in motion for Michael to return home.
In a statement, Mr Straw said that during the last meeting with the Shields family on 28 August “important new evidence came to light”.
He was told about a visit to the home of the man who had already admitted to the crime.
“I was told that in the course of the visit that man made an oral confession to the crime in front of several other people.
“When looked at alongside all the previously available evidence, (it) has now satisfied me that Mr Shields meets the high test set by the court.”
We wish Michael, his family and friends, all the best.
LFC Reds: Michael Shields set Free
all we need now is the 96 that lost they’r lives at hillsborough to gat justice.. michael shields is just the beginning for justice for liverpool fans the world over.
welcome home michael.
Well played to everyone involved in Michaels release its a great shame that it took so long but justice prevailed , so wlecome home lad and we will hopefully see you at the Burnley game cheering your beloved Redmen home
Good luck m8 all the best for the future, hope you get some compo from the uk and those clowns who locked u up without listening to you !, Hopefully ill see you around anfield some time lad …………all the best to you and your family for now and the future . Y. N. W. A.
Shields was tried and sentenced by a foreign court, which in itself is cast-iron proof of innocence for many British nationalists. But it’s not just that — he’s associated with Liverpool FC, which seems to guarantee privileged treatment by the law.
Your previous half-intelligent response has been completely ruined by this one.
Your suggestion that Liverpool FC get ‘privileged treatment by the law’ is a disgrace to the memory of 96 fans, their families, loved ones and friends, who have been fighting – unsuccesfully – for over 20 years to get justice for being crushed to death in a disaster caused by the authorities.
John Ray
Your suggestion that Liverpool FC get ‘privileged treatment by the law’ is a disgrace to the memory of 96 fans, their families, loved ones and friends, who have been fighting – unsuccesfully – for over 20 years to get justice for being crushed to death in a disaster caused by the authorities.
Exactly.
And if an innocent man spends 10 years in the slammer for something he didn’t do that’s okay by you? We fight for what we believe and never give up. Let’s not forget a man who mudered nearly 300 people in the Lockerbie air disaster walked free on “compassionate grounds” whilst the Hillsborough 96 await justice and closure 20 years on – 2 totally different scenarios but who was “given privalaged treatment by the law?”
A foolish statement if ever I read one.
Why the Pardoning of Michael Shields sets a Dangerous Precedent
The pardoning of Michael Shields by the Justice secretary, Jack Straw creates an extremely dangerous precedent.
Shields was convicted in Bulgaria of the attempted murder of a barman and sentenced to 10 years in custody. He exhausted his legal remedies in Bulgaria, his appeal to the European Court of Human Rights was dismissed, and in 2006, presumably under a prisoner transfer arrangement, he was returned to serve the remainder of his sentence in the UK.
The basis of Shields’ defence was that he was not responsible for the injury. Indeed, one Graham Sankey confessed to the offence, though significantly did not give this evidence under oath before the Bulgarian courts. It has never been tested.
The basis of Straw’s decision to pardon appears to be based on another “confession”. I don’t suppose we’ll ever know more about the bizarre circ umstances if this, but according to the report
“I [Straw] was told that in the course of the visit that man made an oral confession to the crime in front of several other people.
And that enabled the Justice Secretary to conclude that Shields was
“morally and technically innocent”
Such an untested hearsay confession, would never be acceptable in any English court.
Just imagine the rumpus if a Bulgarian citizen having been charged and convicted of a serious offence in England, returned to his home, then pardoned in similar circumstance to Shields. Or if the Libyan authorities were to declare Megrahi innocent and pardon him.
I can;t believe what I am reading re John Rays comments ,you go on by stating that there would be a rumpus if a Bulgarian citizen was sentenced to 10 years and then sent home and released, your missing the point numpty , the evidence that was against Michael was so flimsy it would never have got past the DPP never mind reached the crown , maybe you should look at the hard facts before you make such damning comments.
Hey LFC !!! Let him kiss the Cup THIS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
May God grant you all your wishes that you’ve made during the custody.
‘Cos He’d never deny any from those that were wronged wrongly….
Ameen
Ever thougth of our team to start a legacy?
Bill and Bob had theirs…..
When is ours to come?
The framework looks sturdy..albeit financially…
Ever wish something bad happen to those goons at the top? 🙂
Bet that will be a Big Favour to do…….
This is fantastic news and I am made up for Micheal, his family, friends and all those who campaigned and supported Micheal in his justice for freedom.
Liverpool FC should give him a season ticket to help him return to normality – he was supporting Liverpool FC in thier finest hour and a gesture like this would help ease the pain Micheal has suffered.
Liverpool FC – It’s not a badge but a family crest. Welcome home Micheal, You Never Walked Alone.
Excellent news for all Reds fans! Shame they didnt listen to the confession made years ago. He should be compensated generously for his time incarcerated. Well done for sticking it and I hope you can move on and try and enjoy the rest of your life.
Dan
we never know what freedom really means untill its taken away. thank god for our veterans. i hope he gets a good compesation package as four years at his age is priceless. good example how slow the wheels of justice turn.
absolutely fantastic news
enjoy your freedom Michael
ynwa
About time.
Enjoy your freedom Michael.
Well he had done his five years any way so he is not free he has just done his time
YNWA Micheal Welcome Home Lad!x
It about time he was released, its a travisty that it took this long!
All the luck for the future Michael, Welcome home
Y.N.W.A!!
Finally good news,YNWA Michael!
Should never of been locked up in the first place.
Justice Done, Welcome Home Mate 🙂
YNWA!!!
Hope u enjoy your life as a free man and follow the team u love. YNWA. Well done mate.
That’s good news for Michael and his family. What a sad waste of 4 years.
Should of been released earlier,least hes free now good luck,now justice for the 96
It’s about time he was free. Welcome home Michael, Good Luck, YNWA. J4T96 now.